In Ukraine, the orange and black St. George's ribbon, a patriotic symbol associated with World War II in the former Soviet Union, has been adopted by pro-Russian separatist groups and their supporters.
#сепаратяка
The ribbon is particularly popular in Russia around May 9, when the country celebrates victory in WWII. On social media and Russian-language internet forums, people are tagging photos "separatyaka" or "little separatist."
Котяка-сепаратяка
"My separatist kitty."
@anti_maydan Мой котяка - сепаратяка )
To complete the look, some cats have added Soviet military garb.
This cat has been turned into a live St. George's ribbon.
Not to be outdone, dogs are also supporting the separatist cause.
Собака - сепаратяка
"Separatist."
Сепаратяка)))
Some have copied the pro-Russian militants' masked look.
View this video on YouTube
"Are you for the Donbass?" the man asks the dog, referring to the region in eastern Ukraine that remains out of the Kiev government's control. "Are you for Russia? Are you for the Donetsk People's Republic? Are you for freedom? Are you going to fight for freedom?"
"Separatist dog. Cutie. :)"
Собака сепаратяка)) Милаш☺️
"Separatist bunny." The flag bears the colors of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.
Сепаратяка!:))
"Separatist goose. Normal owners have normal pets."
У нормальных хозяев , нормальные питомцы)
Pro-Russian forces have apparently welcomed the support.
